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29er
posted by MalBurd at 04:41 PM on December 18, 2009
Editor’s Note: Twenty Nine Inches is testing two models from Specialized Bikes 2010 line up, the Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 and the Epic Marathon 29. We also were able to put some questions to Specialized’s own Eric Schuda, who is in charge of all of Specialized’s 29 inch efforts, and Brad Paquin, Specialized’s engineer on the 29″er Stumpjumper Carbon Expert 29″er. Following are some questions penned for Twenty Nine Inches by our writer, Grannygear and the answers from Eric and Brad.
http://twentynineinches.com/2009/12/16/specialized-29ers-the-interview/
categories: Product Review , Photos
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Comments (3)
04:42 PM on December 25, 2009 UTC Kurti_SC wrote:
I know Guitar Ted has yet to post his final comments, but I'm really anxious to offer up ANOTHER 29er for Specialized. The Stumpy 29er SS has me really itching; but what would ultimately seal the deal would be one in Steel. Remember years ago, they did a limited run of steel Allez (Allez Comp from 2002 / 2003. I have one.). Those bikes sold well and were revered by all who had one. It says something when the local rep rides around with one of those instead of a 3k+ model. Bring it on...Please!
Does anyone else agree?
Kurti_SC
11:05 AM on January 01, 2010 UTC Scott (me) Justesen wrote:
Interesting how so much attention is garnered to top of the line bikes. I thought this was only a phenomenon of the numerous magazines out there. While the flagship models are what manufacturers use to promote their entire line and show off their technical prowess the fact is few , if any of us, can justify or afford any bicycle in 3000-8000 price range. A little research showed me that nearly all of the high priced / high tech carbon framed rides, despite their engineering and price wont come close to supporting my 250 pound 6 foot 1 inch frame. Road bikes are even worse. Im 50 years old. I will never be a pro. I will probably never race. I ride for fun and fitness. My suggestion: Let a common man like me test and evalute a ride for a day or two and put it through its paces that regular Joes would subject it to and then see how they stand up. 32/12, carbon weave, M-4/5 are essentially meaningless to an ordinary rider. Are spokes breaking? Is any hardware or components coming loose? Do they work like I think they should? Is paint chipping? How long before rust starts showing up? Etc., etc. By the way. I own a 2009 Allez double. I had to replace the wheelset because spokes kept breaking on the rear wheel (cassttte side). Specilized did nothing and never responded to any of my inquiries. I also own a 2009 Rockhopper Expert 29 DIsk.
02:49 PM on January 02, 2010 UTC Bob Burrows wrote:
Scott,
I have to disagree with you about carbon weave/M5 not being for us big guys. I'm 6'4" and 230lbs. I've owned an Epic M4 and I own an S-Works Roubaix SL2 that I put 1000 miles on last year. I've got an Epic 29er Comp on order and anticipate no problems with that frame. No problems with the Epic or Roubaix. One thing I always do with any wheelset is after a month or two of riding is take it to a trusted wheel builder and have it trued and tensioned evenly. This will make your wheels last much longer. That being said, rear wheels are one area where being large takes it's toll. Just have to accept that. Take care and keep riding!
Bob